Last reviewed: March 2025

Safeguarding is the protection of an individual’s health, wellbeing and human rights, as well as the recognition of risk of harm, abuse or neglect. The confidential and non-judgemental nature of counselling sessions can mean that topics are discussed that disclose risk to the wellbeing of the client, or others in the client’s community. Safeguarding is an ethical commitment that is upheld at all stages of counselling. It is crucial that any risks are acknowledged and handled sensitively. As well as the right to protection from harm, clients also have a right to be treated with respect and dignity. The following policy sets out how risk of harm is identified, and the steps that may be taken to ensure the safety of clients, or other individuals.  

I only work with adult clients (aged 18+) in my counselling practice, so I won’t encounter immediate safeguarding risks regarding clients that are children. However, there is a possibility that I will become aware of information regarding the wellbeing of children whilst working with clients. Whilst focused on adults, the following safeguarding policy also applies to children.

Safeguarding includes the following:

• Prevention of abuse

• Prevention of harm, including harm to self

• Recognition of abuse, including in the wider community

• Responding to disclosures of abuse or suspected abuse (current or historic)

• Reporting abuse to the relevant authorities

• Referring abuse to the relevant authorities

• Clear and accurate record keeping

• Safe working practices

• Whistleblowing  

When there is a concern about an individual’s safety, or they are at risk of being harmed, either by their own actions or those of someone else, safeguarding involves finding the best way to keep the individual safe. When safeguarding, it is crucial to recognise the client’s rights and the importance of balancing consent, autonomy and confidentiality. This is done by listening attentively and talking with the client about what they would like to do.

The majority of the time this will remain confidential within the counselling sessions, and the option for a client to report abuse, or refer for help, for themselves will be discussed and supported. However, if the risk is at a very high level, details of the client’s situation may need to be passed on to relevant agencies or authorities, who can provide support, even if consent has not been granted. This only ever done to protect the safety of the individuals involved if there is an imminent risk of harm, if the client doesn’t appear to understand the level of risk they are in or if the client loses consciousness on a call.